Hope on Heroes’ Day

13082012

It’s a public holiday today; Heroes’ Day when we are expected to remember the heroes who fought for Zimbabwe (against me) and are buried in Heroes’ Acre. From what I could see going into town precious few of Harare’s residents were giving the afore-mentioned heroes much thought as they participated in football clinics or just generally relaxed. It’s not that surprising – most Zimbabweans are too young to remember the war. I was on my way to a French lesson with Shelton. Half the way through there was a roar and we looked up to see a formation of 4 training jets go over on their way to the National Stadium where Bob was addressing the crowds. Shelton cynically commented (in French) that the crowds where mostly there to see the high profile football match after the ceremony.

It is true that we have little left to celebrate in Zimbabwe. The economy is in tatters and shows little sign of rejuvenation. We have extremely bad press worldwide and tourism is moribund despite the mostly friendly population and great weather. Then on the way back home I noticed a bundle of fibre optic cable casings lying on a manhole cover and thought; no, there IS still some hope! Somebody is still investing in Zimbabwe regardless of the apparently dismal future. Actually fibre optic cables have been going in all around town for at least the last 18 months but at least they are continuingto be put in.

Tech spaghetti too – I got some funny looks from passers by whilst photographing a pile of piping!

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3 responses

2 questions:
1. As a language teacher, I’m curious – what motivates you to learn French, now, in Zimbabwe?
2. I’m probably being cheeky, but do you happen to have a photo of a flame lily that you wouldn’t mind me using to make a button for my blog?

1. In the dark days at the height of the farm evictions I was seriously looking to go and live in France. I’d visited the place in 2004 and really liked it so started to learn French and eventually did all the courses at the local Alliance Francaise. After a serious visit in 2006 I decided it would be very difficult for a single, disabled person of my age to make a living there. So I stayed here. I still visit and I still like France (I will be there for a flying festival in Sept at St Hilaire) and I am still terrible at languages but it’s sort of fun to be able to speak another language and I really like my “professeur”.
2. Will send you one.